The air was muggy, the wind high, and upsets rare, though the two of note – defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova and American icon Andy Roddick – were doozies indeed. The first week of the 2005 U.S. Open is nearly complete, and when we next meet on Tuesday, the tournament will have taken shape.

For the women, the tournament actually begins this weekend. Other than Kuznetsova, the top seeds have cruised into the third and fourth rounds, pummeling lesser opponents. While the title remains up for grabs, a lot may be determined by Tuesday.

One Williams sister, at most, will remain, though each has a difficult match -Serena Williams against Francesca Schiavone and Venus Williams against Daniela Hantuchova – before a possible fourth-round collision on Sunday (Kim Clijsters would await the winner). Justine Henin-Hardenne could face Mary Pierce on Monday in a rematch of the French Open final.

Expect Lindsay Davenport to stand tall through the weekend. The game’s best ball striker says her back feels fine, and that’s bad news for the rest of the draw. Maria Sharapova will be there too, and a newcomer – 16-year-old Nicole Vaidisova – might be staring her down.

For the men, Roger Federer looks to be a lock for a semifinal against Lleyton Hewitt, with only his former nemesis, David Nalbandian, standing in his way in the quarterfinals.

The other half of the draw is less predictable, as there is room for players like Guillermo Coria, Robby Ginepri, Tommy Haas, and Sebastien Grosjean to make a move over the weekend. Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi are the two favorites in the lower half, but they are on track to play each other in the quarterfinals on Wednesday – that is, if Nadal does not fall this weekend to James Blake, who continued his inspired run last night with a victory over Igor Andreev.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

Today’s schedule in Arthur Ashe Stadium includes Serena Williams in the day, and Venus at night. If they both win, they will face each other on Sunday, most likely in prime time.

Maria Sharapova also plays during the day, along with American Taylor Dent. Lleyton Hewitt and the doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan round out the day session.

After Venus warms up Ashe in the evening, world no. 1 Roger Federer takes on Fabrice Santoro in the final match of the day.